During the time of the formation of our country, George Washington is reported to have had the opportunity to become “king” of the burgeoning nation. It is said that he knew there was only one King—Jesus—so he declined the offer. Other people of the land apparently confessed the same ideal: in a 1774 report to King George, the Governor of Boston asserted, ”If you ask an American, who is his master? He will tell you he has none, nor any governor but Jesus Christ.” The pre-war Colonial Committees of Correspondence soon made this the American motto: “No King but King Jesus.”

George Washington seemed to know what most haven’t known. When we displace God on the throne of our lives, the outcome will not be so good. But when we put God on the throne by our personal allegiance, we put ourselves in the best possible position for godliness and align ourselves with the goals of His kingdom. . . .

It’s an election year in our earthly country. There are lots of concerns. You have yours, and I have mine. But Christians must be exceedingly more concerned with the goals of our eternal country than with those of our earthly country. In short, it is Jesus’ Kingship — His rule and reign — that demands our primary, our transcendent allegiance. After all, we are, first and foremost, citizens of God’s Kingdom.

This is a radical idea, but when you think about it, it makes sense—God’s coming to earth and loving unlovable humans in the first place was also revolutionary.

Maybe our American ancestors knew the best way to start a revolution. The motto “No King but King Jesus” is pretty revolutionary—and probably, just as much so within institutional Christianity.

As we once more proclaim His death through the drinking of the juice that symbolizes His blood, we are once more saying to Him and to each other that we believe He is King and that He is set on His throne at the Father’s right hand, waiting to return for His bride (us). We are proclaiming His life, His death, and His resurrection until He comes again as King. As we take these little cups in our hands this day, we are expressing that we know that He is the Savior, that He is ruling, and that He is the gracious, truth-filled, loving Redeemer. He loves beyond any of our pathetic capacities to understand love, yet He does not require our complete understanding. Our devotion is all He asks.

Take the world, but give me Jesus. All its joys are but a name. But His love abideth ever, through eternal years the same.

Take the world, but give me Jesus. In His cross my trust shall be, till, with clearer, brighter vision, face to face my Lord I see.

O the height and depth of mercy! O the length and breadth of love! O the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above! – Fanny J. Crosby